If you've ever been fired, you know it can be a tricky thing to discuss in future job interviews. It's never a comfortable question, and even if you were laid off, there's always the risk that the interviewer is judging your competency based on your answer. The key to getting past the question is to frame it up in terms of what you've learned—not what happened.

Career counselor Kristin Johnson, at Profession Direction, explains that if you have been fired or asked to resign, you need to prepare for the question long before your interview, even if you don't anticipate being asked. You should assume the company you're interviewing with is asking because they found out that you were (especially if you were a manager or executive), so don't try to lie. Instead explain—in the most professional way possible—the reason why you were let go or asked to leave, taking responsibility for the decision. Then explain what you learned from the situation, and how you've changed since then.

For example, if you were asked to leave because you were chronically late, explain that you struggled with time management skills at your last job, and that since then you've embraced a routine (or even a new productivity system) that helps you focus clearly on what's important so you're never distracted and short on time. She also notes to check with your references to make sure they're all on the same page if they're asked about a job where you were fired or let go, just so everyone's delivering a consistent message.

You've tried everything: asked around, played with a few theories about "how you work…
Read more Read more

Hit the link below for more tips on how to prep for the big question and how to spin it to your advantage. You don't have to let a pink slip from a previous job stifle your chances at a great one in the future.